Grade 1
  1. Numbers and Counting  1.1. Counting to 10  1.2. Counting to 20  1.3. Counting to 50  1.4. Counting to 100  1.5. Writing Numbers 1 to 10  1.6. Writing Numbers 1 to 20  1.7. Writing Numbers 1 to 50  1.8. Writing Numbers 1 to 100  1.9. Reading Numbers 1 to 10  1.10. Reading Numbers 1 to 20  1.11. Reading Numbers 1 to 50  1.12. Reading Numbers 1 to 100  1.13. Comparing Numbers  1.14. Ordering Numbers  1.15. Odd and Even Numbers  1.16. Number Patterns  1.17. Skip Counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s  1.18. Understanding Zero
  2. Basic Addition and Subtraction  2.1. Understanding Addition  2.2. Addition Facts within 10  2.3. Addition Facts within 20  2.4. Adding Zero  2.5. Adding One More  2.6. Adding Two More  2.7. Adding Three More  2.8. Adding Using Pictures  2.9. Addition Word Problems  2.10. Understanding Subtraction  2.11. Subtraction Facts within 10  2.12. Subtraction Facts within 20  2.13. Subtracting Zero  2.14. Subtracting One  2.15. Subtracting Two  2.16. Subtraction Using Pictures  2.17. Subtraction Word Problems  2.18. Introduction to Doubles Facts  2.19. Introduction to Making 10
  3. Place Value and Number Sense  3.1. Understanding Tens and Ones  3.2. Counting by Tens  3.3. Place Value within 20  3.4. Place Value within 50  3.5. Place Value within 100  3.6. Reading and Writing Two-Digit Numbers  3.7. Comparing Two-Digit Numbers  3.8. Decomposing Numbers
  4. Measurement  4.1. Length  4.1.1. Comparing Lengths  4.1.2. Measuring with Non-Standard Units  4.1.3. Using Standard Units (Inches and Centimeters) in Length  4.2. Weight  4.2.1. Comparing Weights  4.2.2. Heavy and Light Objects  4.2.3. Introduction to Grams and Pounds  4.3. Capacity  4.3.1. Comparing Capacity  4.3.2. Full and Empty  4.3.3. Introduction to Liters and Milliliters  4.4. Time  4.4.1. Telling Time to the Hour  4.4.2. Telling Time to the Half Hour  4.4.3. Days of the Week  4.4.4. Months of the Year  4.4.5. Understanding Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow  4.5. Money  4.5.1. Recognizing Coins  4.5.2. Counting Coins  4.5.3. Introduction to Dollar and Cents Symbols  4.5.4. Simple Addition and Subtraction with Money
  5. Geometry  5.1. 2D Shapes  5.1.1. Recognizing 2D Shapes  5.1.2. Drawing 2D Shapes  5.1.3. Naming 2D Shapes  5.1.4. Properties of 2D Shapes  5.1.5. Sorting 2D Shapes  5.1.6. Composing Simple Shapes  5.2. 3D Shapes  5.2.1. Recognizing 3D Shapes  5.2.2. Naming 3D Shapes  5.2.3. Properties of 3D Shapes  5.2.4. Sorting 3D Shapes  5.3. Position and Direction  5.3.1. Left and Right  5.3.2. Above and Below  5.3.3. Inside and Outside  5.3.4. Near and Far  5.3.5. In Front and Behind
  6. Patterns and Sorting  6.1. Recognizing Patterns  6.2. Extending Patterns  6.3. Creating Patterns  6.4. Sorting by Color  6.5. Sorting by Shape  6.6. Sorting by Size
  7. Data and Graphing  7.1. Introduction to Data  7.2. Collecting Data  7.3. Tally Marks  7.4. Bar Graphs  7.5. Picture Graphs  7.6. Interpreting Simple Graphs
  8. Fractions  8.1. Understanding Halves  8.2. Understanding Fourths  8.3. Dividing Shapes into Equal Parts  8.4. Identifying Equal and Unequal Parts

Grade 1 → Place Value and Number Sense ↓


Comparing Two-Digit Numbers


When children learn maths, one of the important topics they encounter is comparing numbers. In Class 1, the focus is on developing number sense to understand and compare two-digit numbers. Knowing how to compare numbers is important as it helps children understand quantity, recognise patterns and lay the foundation for more complex maths concepts.

Understanding place value

To compare two-digit numbers, children need to understand the concept of place value. Place value in math refers to the value of each digit based on its place in a number. Each place in a number has a different value: units, tens, hundreds, etc.

For example, let's take a simple two-digit number: 34.

 tens | units
   3 | 4

In this case:

  • The digit 3 is in the 'tens' place, which means it represents 3 tens or 30.
  • The digit 4 is in the units place, which means it represents 4 ones or 4.

Therefore, the number 34 represents 30 + 4 = 34.

Visualizing place value

Let's use a visual example to make this concept more clear. Imagine creating blocks where each block represents a unit of ten or one:

Tens people

In this instance:

  • There are 3 blue blocks that represent 3 tens.
  • It has 4 red blocks that represent 4 ones.

Comparison of two digit numbers

Now that we understand place value, let's learn how to compare two-digit numbers. To compare two numbers, we look at the digits from left to right, starting with the largest place value.

Step-by-step comparison

Let's consider two numbers: 34 and 29.

Number 1 : 34 (3 tens, 4 ones)
Number 2: 29 (2 tens, 9 units)
  1. Compare tens:
    • First, look at the 'tens' digit.
    • Compare 3 (in 34) and 2 (in 29).
    • Since 3 tens is greater than 2 tens, the number 34 is greater than 29.
  2. Compare units: (only if tens are the same)
    • In multiple comparisons, if the 'tens' digits are already different, you do not need to compare the 'units' digit.
    • If the tens digits are the same, then compare the units digits.

Another example

Let's compare 45 and 47 this time.

Number 1 : 45 (4 tens, 5 ones)
Number 2: 47 (4 tens, 7 ones)

Phase:

  • Compare tens: Both numbers have the same tens digit (4).
  • So, we compare 'units': compare 5 (in 45) and 7 (in 47).
  • Since 5 is less than 7, therefore 45 is less than 47.

Introducing symbols for comparison

To effectively communicate the comparison of numbers, we use three key symbols:

  • < (less than)
  • > (more than)
  • = (equals)

Use of symbols

Let's translate the above examples into mathematical statements using comparison symbols:

34 > 29 (thirty four is greater than twenty nine)
45 < 47 (Forty five is less than forty seven)

Symbolically representing the relationships between numbers helps students quickly grasp the concept of comparison strokes and allows them to see patterns and structures within numbers.

Practice comparison with more examples

Once children understand the basics, practicing with more numbers helps reinforce the idea. Here are some more examples:

Example 1

Compare the numbers: 58 and 73.

Number 1 : 58 (5 tens, 8 ones)
Number 2: 73 (7 tens, 3 units)

Comparing tens: 5 < 7
Thus, 58 < 73

Example 2

Compare numbers: 66 and 66.

Number 1: 66 (6 tens, 6 ones)
Number 2: 66 (6 tens, 6 ones)

Tens and units are equal,
Thus, 66 = 66

Example 3

Compare numbers: 81 and 89.

Number 1: 81 (8 tens, 1 unit)
Number 2: 89 (8 tens, 9 ones)

Comparing tens: 8 = 8
Compare units: 1 < 9
Thus, 81 < 89

Common mistakes and misunderstandings

As children learn to compare two-digit numbers, it is common for them to face some challenges and make mistakes. Let us discuss some frequently occurring mistakes and ways to address them effectively.

Ignoring place value

One of the most common mistakes is ignoring place value, especially the 'tens' place. Sometimes children may focus only on the 'ones' place when comparing two numbers. Emphasising the importance of starting the comparison from the largest place value (tens) can help correct this mistake.

Mistaking quantity for size

Another misconception children may have is that they think number of digits is equal to numerical size. For example, they may think that 9 is bigger than 12 because 9 is a one-digit number and 12 is a two-digit number. Explaining that the tens place in 12 makes it bigger than 9 will help children compare such numbers appropriately.

Games and activities for practice

Engaging children in fun activities and games can make comparisons more effective and enjoyable. Here are some simple activities:

Number matching game

Prepare cards with two-digit numbers. Shuffle them and place them face down. Students take turns picking up two cards and comparing the numbers. If they compare correctly, they keep the pair; otherwise, they put them back. The player with the most pairs wins.

Comparing dice games

Give each child a pair of dice. They roll their dice and arrange the digits to form the largest two-digit number. Then, they compare their digits to the symbols. The person with the largest number earns one point. The first person to get 10 points wins.

Conclusion

Understanding how to compare two-digit numbers is an important skill in grade 1 math. By understanding the concept of place value and practicing comparison methods, children strengthen their number sense and look forward to more complex mathematical operations. With consistent practice, discussion, and fun activities, they can improve their understanding and application of comparing numbers. These basic skills provide a strong foundation for future learning in math.


Grade 1 → 3.7


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Reading and Writing Two-Digit Numbers
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Comparing Two-Digit Numbers

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